Embedded Files
Introduction
Introduction
In this lesson you will:
learn about solstices and equinoxes
explore the relationship between lunar cycles and tides
learn about the seasonal calednars used by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
research the connections Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with the night sky
Inquiry question and intentions
Inquiry question and intentions
Inquiry question:
How has Aboriginal astronomy been used to predict changes in the natural environment?
Learning intentions
To describe solstices and equinoxes.
To describe examples of how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples mapped seasons.
To explain how tides are caused by the Sun and Moon and the rotation of Earth.
To describe examples of how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ understanding of the phases of the Moon and changing tides have been used in hunting and gathering food.
To describe examples of Aboriginal seasonal calendars and how they are used.
Activity 1 - The first astronomers
Activity 1 - The first astronomers
Background information
Background information
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples were the first astronomers, observing the skies and passing down astronomical knowledge through stories, song, dance and ritual for over 60,000 years. The sky provides a map to help navigate long journeys across the land, seas and waterways. Everything on the land is reflected in the sky and it is where ancestral beings exist. The sky is also a guide to seasons and cultural practice and holds valuable information about food sources.
The positions of the Sun, Moon and stars provide Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with information used to predict changes in the environment, in seasons, weather patterns and in the behaviour of plants and animals. It is this close relationship between the sky, people and country that enables Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to thrive with the Australian landscape, harvesting only what they need and ensuring sustainability for future generations.
Task 1
Task 1
Watch the video, Through our eyes - Dhinawan 'Emu' in the Sky.
Through our eyes - Dhinawan 'Emu' in the Sky
Duration 2:22
Activity 2 - Solstices and equinoxes
Activity 2 - Solstices and equinoxes
Task 1
Task 1
Watch the video, The world's oldest observatory? How Aboriginal astronomy provides clues to ancient life by clicking on the image to open a new tab.
Scientists believe the arrangement of stones was used to track the movements of the sun throughout the year. Aboriginal peoples were able to map the seasons throughout the year with the solstices and equinoxes.
Use information from the video to complete the See, Think, Wonder worksheet
Click on the button to open a new tab and view the Google Doc.
Click on the Use Template button to create a copy for you to edit.
Task 2
Task 2
Watch the video, Understand the difference between solstices and equinoxes on the Britannica website by clicking of the image to open the page ina new tab.
Use information from the video to complete the passage by dragging the words into place.
Task 2
Task 2
Label the diagram, showing when the summer and winter solstice and the spring and autumn equinox would each occur.
Activity 3 - Lunar cycles and tides
Activity 3 - Lunar cycles and tides
Background information
Background information
Earth’s tides are the rise and fall of the levels of the ocean. They are caused by the gravitational pull of the Sun and Moon as well as the rotation of Earth. Throughout the day the sea level is constantly rising and falling, resulting in high tides and low tides.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders peoples’ understanding of the phases of the moon and changing tides has been important for hunting and the gathering of food.
For example, they built stone weirs and rock fish traps in shallow lagoons and in coastal locations, designed to enclose water between high and low tide and capture fish.
Task 1
Task 1
Watch the video, How does the Moon control Earth's tides?
Use information from the video to help you complete the interactive glossary of definitions.
How does the Moon control Earth's tides?
Duration 2:28
Task 3 - Investigating tides
Task 3 - Investigating tides
At high tide, the water is at its highest point and at low tide, the water is it at its lowest point.
Visit either the:
Investigate the tides for a location of your choice.
Use information from the website to answer all the questions on the Investigating tides activity Google Doc.
Click on the button to open a new tab and view the Google Doc.
Click on the Use Template button to create a copy for you to edit.
Activity 4 - Seasonal calendars
Activity 4 - Seasonal calendars
Background information
Background information
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples use calendars to describe and predict seasonal changes, recurring weather patterns and seasonal cycles. These calendars are based on thousands of years of detailed observations of the environment and link closely with the natural world. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples observe the position of stars in the sky and follow water, plant and animal cycles to determine the availability of food or the timing of journeys.
For example, the appearance of particular insects indicates that the rainy season is coming and it is the correct time to start harvesting yams. For the people of D’harawal Country, when lilly pilly fruit ripen and start to fall, it is a sign to begin their annual journey to the coast.
Task
Task
Visit the following websites:
Select a seasonal calendar to explore. If possible, choose a community connected to or close to where you live.
Complete the Seasonal calendars activity Google Doc using information on the seasonal calendar you have chosen.
Click on the button to open a new tab and view the Google Doc.
Click on the Use Template button to create a copy for you to edit.
Activity 5 - Connections with the night sky
Activity 5 - Connections with the night sky
Research task
Research task
Describe how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples used the night sky to predict:
seasons
weather
migration patterns
another area or interest of your choice
Start your research by gathering information from the following websites:
Complete your research using the Connections with the night sky research scaffold Google Doc.
Click on the button to open a new tab and view the Google Doc.
Click on the Use Template button to create a copy for you to edit.
Exit slip
Exit slip
Handing in your work
Handing in your work
Don't forget to hand in the work you completed today!
Your teacher will have told you to do one of the following:
Upload any digital documents you created and any photos you took of your written work to your Learning Management system (MS Teams, Google Classroom for example).
Email any digital documents you created and any photos you took of your written work to your teacher.
Make sure you keep any hand written work you did in your exercise book or folder as your teacher may need to see these when you are back in class.
Student reflection
Student reflection
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